Liver cirrhosis is a very serious condition that may be prevented with diligent adherence to a healthy lifestyle and balanced nutrition. Liver cirrhosis is an irreversible condition that builds up over the course of a few years to an entire lifetime causing slow, eventual, fatal deterioration of your health and body.
Liver Cirrhosis
Liver cirrhosis is progressive deterioration of the liver over a prolonged period of time due to chronic injury and malfunction. Cirrhosis occurs when the healthy tissue of the liver is slowly replaced by scar tissue that impairs the liver’s ability to function properly. The liver is a vital organ responsible for essential functions such as controlling infections, filtering toxins and processing nutrients, hormones and drugs. The liver is also highly responsible for the production of bile and the regulation of fat absorption including crucial fat-soluble vitamins.
Alcoholism
A diet and lifestyle that is highlighted by excessive consumption of alcohol often leads to liver cirrhosis. It is more common in individuals with a family history of liver disease, but is also largely dependent upon the chronic abuse of alcohol coupled with poor nutrition. Individuals suffering from alcoholism often fail to consume enough nutrients. Additionally, alcohol abuse can inhibit the body’s systems from properly absorbing nutrients, often resulting in deficiencies that contribute to disease states like liver cirrhosis. Once cirrhosis occurs, it is impossible to reverse; however, discontinuing consumption of alcohol and improving nutritional status can slow further damage.
Obesity
Excessive fat buildup in the liver may also contribute to liver cirrhosis. Individuals who consume a diet high in saturated fats or engage in excessive fat consumption, in general, may be susceptible to liver cirrhosis. The liver is responsible for regulating fat absorption; too much fat can lead to overload – your liver cannot break down the fats as fast as they are being consumed -- and the excess collects, resulting in inflammation and eventual scarring of the liver.
Other Causes
The liver is largely responsible for processing nearly everything you put into your body. This includes fats, proteins, vitamins, metal minerals and drugs. Excess or deficiency of nutrients can lead to liver cirrhosis. This is just one more reason a nutritious, balanced diet is so essential to optimal health. Additionally, drugs including over-the-counter medications, pharmaceutical drugs and supplements must be processed by the liver. Abuse, certain diseases and genetic predisposition can contribute to the liver’s inability to effectively function and lead to cirrhosis.
